Page 52 of A Blaze of Fire
Right and wrong flew out of my mind and I realized I lost all sense of propriety when I was around Ansel. If we were caught, it would cause so many problems. Particularly for Ansel.
That sobering thought made me pull away.
“Stop.” I gasped and tried to untangle my limbs from his, even though my knees were trembling and I could barely stand. His touch was like fire. “We can’t do this. Not here. Not again.”
Ansel breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry,” he muttered.
I nodded. “It’s okay. We’re just a bit worked up.”
“I won’t let it happen again,” he promised. “I won’t put you in danger.”
“I know you won’t.”
After taking a few minutes to cool down, he slowly opened the door and peeked outside, then turned back to me. “The coast is clear. Let’s go to the dining hall.” I smiled in agreement.
* * *
When we arrivedat the dining hall, it was completely packed with what seemed like the entire Unseelie Court having their afternoon meal. I didn’t see Alec anywhere, and thankfully no one paid attention to our arrival. The only ones who noticed us were Rook and Rosemary, who approached me once we crossed the threshold.
“Lady Violet,” Rosemary greeted, “your seat is waiting for you and your meal will be out shortly.” She smiled brightly, her abnormally large eyes shining with pleasure.
I gave her an equally warm smile. “Thank you, Rose.” I followed her to my usual seat and watched with a pang of sadness as Ansel went in the opposite direction to a vacant chair far away from me. I understood we couldn’t eat together in front of everyone, but it still stung. One thing I’d learned since arriving in this realm was that the fae loved to gossip.
My meal soon arrived and I ate with a vigor I didn’t know I possessed. So engrossed was I in my meal, I tuned out the chatter and conversations around me. That was probably why I didn’t notice when Sage took the seat across from me.
“What, are they starving you?”
My stomach sank and I lifted my gaze to see her raised brow. I gulped my food, not stooping to answer her snarky question.
“You’re eating like a savage …” she noted dryly. “Or is it all those late nights with Alec that has you so ravenous?”
I jerked back as if I’d been slapped and my gaze darted to Ansel, who even though he was across the room, could probably still hear our conversation.
Sage leaned forward and whispered, “Ah, so you like the other brother too?” She laughed and leaned back, pleased with herself. “I would too, if he’d give me the time of day.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I growled, squeezing my fork and knife.
She smirked. “It’s okay to play with both of them. It’s not like Alec and monogamy go together.” Her grin widened. “I can just imagine Ansel in the sack. An earth elemental?” She sighed. “He’d make the whole earth quake. But Alec is no slouch either, which I’m sure you already know.” She winked.
“Shut up, Sage.”
She rolled her eyes and leaned her elbow on the table. “No one will judge you,” she offered. “Least of all me. Alec can do things that should be downright illegal.” She gave another breathy sigh as if replaying a fond memory.
I stood and slammed my hands on the table. “I saidshut up!” I shouted, catching the attention of everyone in the dining hall who wasn’t already eavesdropping. I was huffing and puffing, my heart rate accelerating from how angry I was. After all the shit I’d endured recently, I was ready for a fight.
“She’s gonna do it,” someone whispered beside me.
“The dragon’s going to appear,” another said.
The whispers rose around the room and my gaze traveled to its occupants, surprised to see all eyes on me. Finally, my gaze fell on Sage, who wore the biggest smirk on her face. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she sat back in her chair smugly, as if pleased I’d so easily fallen into her trap. Maybe I had.
“Go on,” Sage goaded. “Show us the dragon.”
My hands tightened into fists as I realized what had happened. I was so stupid and naïve! I should have just ignored her. Like the King, Sage wanted to prove to the others that I was a fraud. Unfortunately for me, she was getting exactly what she wanted.
Narrowing my gaze on the blonde bombshell before me, I took several deep, calming breaths before I spoke. “No need to do a show and tell here in the dining hall,” I said loud enough for everyone to hear. “The King is orchestrating a public showing for everyone to see. Wait your turn.”
Everyone gasped. Even Sage’s eyes widened as if I’d slapped her. She obviously hadn’t expected me to call her bluff. I mean, it was pretty much suicide.
